One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious meal that comes together in no time, then you’re going to love this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! This dish is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavors that will have your family asking for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this recipe is perfect for any occasion where you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup?

This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my home because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy comfort and fresh brightness from the lemon and parsley. The plump shrimp paired with the rich orzo makes each bite feel like a warm hug. Trust me, this dish will be on your dinner rotation before you know it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This one-pan wonder can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
• Flavorful Comfort: With creamy Parmesan and tender shrimp, every bite is a delicious explosion of flavor that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy this dish; it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it ahead of time and just reheat for a quick meal during busy weeks.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pan means less mess to clean up afterward—always a win!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• Orzo Pasta: 1 pound. This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully, creating a creamy texture in this one-pan dish. Look for good quality orzo for the best results.
• Shrimp: 1.5 pounds, peeled and deveined. Medium to large shrimp work best, providing a satisfying bite. Ensure they are thawed if frozen and patted dry before cooking for optimal browning.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish. It provides the liquid base for cooking the orzo and infuses it with savory flavor. Vegetable broth can be substituted for a vegetarian option.
• White Grape Juice: ½ cup (optional). Dry white grape juice adds depth and acidity to the sauce. If you prefer not to use apple vinegar, simply substitute with additional chicken broth.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced. Onion forms the aromatic base of the dish, adding sweetness and complexity as it cooks down.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Garlic is essential for flavor, complementing the shrimp and Parmesan beautifully. Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for the best aroma and taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, plus extra for serving. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key to the creamy, cheesy sauce. Use good quality Parmesan for the richest flavor.
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup. Heavy cream adds richness and luxuriousness to the sauce, creating a velvety texture that coats the orzo and shrimp perfectly.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons. Butter adds richness and helps to create a flavorful base for sautéing the aromatics and shrimp. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is used for sautéing and adds a healthy fat component to the dish. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and health benefits.
• Lemon: 1, juiced and zested. Lemon juice brightens the flavors of the dish while lemon zest adds an extra layer of citrus aroma.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to finish off your dish beautifully.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). Red pepper flakes add subtle heat; adjust according to your preference or omit entirely if desired.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is crucial to bring out all flavors; taste as you go!

Variations

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is quite flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken breast or scallops instead of shrimp for different flavors while keeping it equally delicious!
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes during cooking for added nutrition and color—plus they taste fantastic!
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños in with your aromatics.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream along with nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a vegan option.

How to Make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant—being careful not to burn the garlic is key here! Sautéing these aromatics builds a flavorful foundation that makes all other ingredients shine.

Step 2: Add Orzo and White Grape Juice (Optional)

Add orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it lightly by stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Toasting enhances its nutty flavor! If you’re using white grape juice, pour it in now; let it simmer briefly while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this deglazing process adds depth of flavor.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Pour in chicken broth along with lemon zest, salt, and pepper into your skillet mixture; bring everything to a boil! Once boiling, reduce heat to low; cover your skillet tightly so that everything simmers evenly for about 10-12 minutes until most liquid has absorbed—check if it’s al dente!

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Cook

Once ready! Uncover your skillet gently stir in shrimp nestled among those tasty orzo grains—make sure they’re mostly submerged! Cover again letting those beauties cook through until pink (3-5 minutes). Remember: overcooked shrimp turn rubbery!

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan Cheese & Cream

Remove from heat once shrimp are done! Now stir grated parmesan cheese followed by heavy cream into your mixture until melted smoothly throughout—this creates that irresistible creamy texture everyone loves!

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice & Parsley

Stir fresh lemon juice plus chopped parsley into your creation next! Taste-test adjusting seasoning as needed—it should balance richness from cheese/cream nicely while adding brightness.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve hot right away topped off with extra parmesan cheese & fresh parsley if desired! This dish shines brightest when enjoyed warm—so dig right into this creamy goodness!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Creating the perfect One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tricks. Here are some pro tips to elevate your dish!

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp not only taste better but also have a firmer texture that makes for a satisfying bite. Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean rather than ammonia, which indicates freshness.
• Toast the Orzo: Taking the extra step to lightly toast the orzo before adding the liquids enhances its nutty flavor. This simple trick adds depth to your dish and ensures that every grain of pasta is well-coated and flavorful.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks; every stovetop is different. If you find that your orzo is absorbing liquid too quickly, feel free to add a splash more broth or water to ensure it cooks evenly without sticking.
• Experiment with Broth: While chicken broth is delicious, using a homemade vegetable broth can bring in unique flavors, making this dish vegetarian-friendly. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies you may have!
• Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Adding fresh herbs and lemon juice just before serving brightens the dish and enhances its flavors. The freshness contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cream and cheese, creating a balanced meal.

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Serving your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp can be as delightful as cooking it! A beautiful presentation can elevate this comforting dish into something truly special at your dinner table.

Garnishes

• Extra Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top adds visual appeal and an extra creamy touch.
• Fresh Lemon Wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to add their desired amount of brightness to their plates.
• Chopped Chives or Basil: These herbs not only enhance flavor but also add a pop of color that makes your dish visually stunning.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the orzo. It’s a classic pairing that everyone loves!
• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a fresh and crunchy element, providing contrast to the creamy orzo while complementing its flavors beautifully.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed in a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance alongside rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, provide vibrant colors and flavors that enhance your meal.

Enjoy crafting this delicious One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! It’s not only easy but also sure to impress anyone who sits down at your table. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is not only delicious but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, making busy weeknights a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best to consume the dish within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• Let the orzo cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification later.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.
• Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re in the right place!

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

You can substitute orzo with any small pasta shape like couscous or ditalini. Just adjust cooking times as needed since different pastas cook at varying rates.

What makes this recipe for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp so creamy?

The creaminess comes from the combination of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese that creates a luscious sauce as it cooks with the orzo.

Can I make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp without shrimp?

Absolutely! You can replace shrimp with vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for a delightful vegetarian version. Just sauté them until tender before adding to the orzo.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp as much as I do! It’s perfect for cozy dinners and impressing guests alike. Remember, it’s all about enjoying good food and great company. Happy cooking!